Job Market
How volunteering can land you a job
Although education and work experience are essential for landing your first job, volunteering can also give you an advantage over other applicants. Here’s how.
1. It gives you new skills and experience. When you volunteer, you may have to deal directly with clients, suppliers, and board members. You may also have to learn new computer programs or give presentations. You can learn hard and soft skills while volunteering, which you can bring to the table when applying for a paid job.
2. It prepares you for the application process. Most organizations require potential volunteers to fill out an application and participate in an interview. Many will also demand a driver’s license and criminal record check. Going through this process will ensure you know what to expect when applying for a paid gig.
3. It expands your network. When you volunteer, you meet new people and broaden your network of friends and associates. It’s good to save contact information from colleagues, board members, clients, and suppliers. You never know who may be able to help you find a dream job.
4. It can give you references. It’s tough to get references without work experience. However, a non-profit organization or charity reference is just as valid as one from an employer. Use your volunteering references to apply for your next job or post-secondary program.
Make sure you put your volunteering experience on your resume. Include the job title and description, examples of your activities, the skills you learned, and your achievements. Also, explain how your experience relates to your applying job.
Job Market
Carpentry: a skilled craft
If you love working with your hands, are creative, detail-oriented, and looking for exciting opportunities, a career as a carpenter may be an ideal path for you. Here are three good reasons to become a carpenter.
1. You have job security. There is and will always be a need for construction and skilled tradespeople. In fact, there’s a demand for more than 1.3 million carpenters in the United States. Homes, offices, hospitals, schools, factories, roads, and other vital structures constantly need to be built, renovated, or replaced.
2. You don’t have to pay for an expensive education. Carpentry focuses more on skill than education. Therefore, you don’t have to spend a fortune in academia. Many individuals enroll in carpentry courses at vocational schools and colleges. It’s also possible to opt for practical hands-on training as a laborer or carpentry assistant so you can earn while you learn.
3. You can make an impact. A career in carpentry offers you a chance to make a difference in the lives of the people in your community. For example, families will grow into the homes you build, and students will learn in the schools you construct.
As a qualified carpenter, you can earn a good income that has the potential to grow as you gain more skills and experience.
Business
Does your business have a DEI policy?
You may be familiar with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as a social justice matter, but did you know this type of policy can contribute to your company’s bottom line? Here’s what you should know.
What’s involved
A DEI policy evaluates a culture, workplace, school, or other settings where groups of people come together. Diversity refers to the variety of people and perspectives within a group. Equity involves the effort to ensure processes are fair and impartial. Inclusion pertains to the sense of belonging members may or may not feel.
The goal of DEI policies is to remove any barriers to success individuals may experience while celebrating the differences that make an organization more creative and resilient.
Why it’s important
There are several reasons why organizations are incorporating DEI policies into their business model.
• Corporate values. Many employers are morally obligated to provide an equitable and welcoming workplace to people of any race, age, gender, or ability.
• Improved innovation. Companies must be agile to remain relevant in today’s competitive business climate. The more diverse your team is, the more perspectives you can draw from.
• Desirable work conditions. Organizations must be competitive, not only in their business offerings but also in their appeal to potential employees. An inclusive work culture is more inviting to top-tier talent.
You don’t have to be a large organization to incorporate DEI measures in your workplace. Talk to a DEI or human resource consultant in your area to learn how to make your workplace more diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
Job Market
An electrifying career
Working as an electrician is exciting and unpredictable. Every day, there are new challenges and problems to solve. Therefore, if you’re looking for a career that will be interesting and keep you on your toes, becoming an electrician is a great option.
Electricians are paid well and respected for their intelligence and technical knowledge. After all, they’re responsible for people’s safety and must take various safety precautions to avoid injury.
Furthermore, electricians work in many specialty areas beyond construction and maintenance work. For example, they’re also needed for underwater cabling and fire alarm and security system installation.
Additionally, electricians have a good work-life balance. They typically work eight-hour days during the week and have weekends off. This is important if you value your free time with friends and family.
Finally, becoming an electrician is a great option if you dream of becoming your own boss. After completing the appropriate training, you could open a franchise or build your own company.
Don’t hesitate to find out about electrician training programs in your area.
Job Market
Four booming career sectors
Are you considering a career change? If you want to switch things up this year but don’t know what direction to take, here are some employment sectors that are currently experiencing an upswing.
Vision care
An aging population has increased the demand for eyecare specialists. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors specializing in eye care and surgery. Optometrists have a doctorate in optometry and can examine eyes, prescribe medications and dispense corrective lenses. An optician is a technician who designs and fits glasses and contact lenses according to a prescription.
Human resources and recruitment
As a result of the Great Resignation, businesses in almost every sector are scrambling to fill vacant positions. A human resource professional will seek ways to meet employee needs while achieving business goals and potentially advocating for beneficial workplace changes.
Health care
Current healthcare workers are retiring in great numbers. If you have a compassionate nature and want to help people, plenty of positions are available in this sector. Home care workers, registered nurses, and paramedics are all in demand.
Software development and engineering
There’s a growing need for specialized workers in the field of information technology. Software developers write code from scratch to build programs for computers, tablets, and phone systems. Since they usually create entire programs from start to finish, this job involves independent work. Software engineers, however, create the tools to develop software, often working in teams to solve large-scale issues.
Talk to a career adviser in your area for guidance on your best next move.
Job Market
Rev up for a career as a mechanic
Auto mechanics inspect and repair vehicles like cars, vans, and small trucks to maintain optimal driving conditions. Being a mechanic is an exciting and fast-paced career. With so many vehicles on the road daily, there’s always a new project to work on.
Mechanics must be adaptable and have an in-depth knowledge of the ever-changing automotive industry. For instance, mechanics are now expected to work on complex vehicles using high-tech diagnostic equipment.
Auto mechanics must also have exceptional problem-solving and communication skills. They must determine which parts need fixing or replacing and regularly interact with customers to understand and diagnose issues. They must also clearly explain vehicle problems, necessary maintenance, and repair options to people who may not know much about cars.
For mechanics, seeing the tangible results of their work provides a rewarding feeling and a sense of accomplishment.
Lastly, if you aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty and put in the hard work required to get the job done, you may have what it takes to become a mechanic.
Job Market
Four tech jobs you may not know exist
Though you may think you have no skills to offer the technology sector, this industry provides opportunities for people of diverse interests and talents. Take a look at these surprising jobs in tech.
1. Chief listening officer
Social media posts are a critical marketing tool for most businesses. But equally important is having someone pay attention to what others post about your business. The chief listening officer monitors this online engagement and shares the information with the relevant individuals within the organization. This way, the company can respond and take the appropriate action to protect its brand image.
2. Drone flyer
Take to the skies with a drone while keeping your feet firmly planted on the ground. The marketing and film industries both need a variety of drone shots. Agriculture is another area where drone footage can be a valuable resource.
3. Video game tester
Video game makers need to be sure their investment will be a hit with consumers. If you’re searching for this job in employment listings, try the more professional title, “software quality assurance engineer.”
4. White hat hacker
Crucial players in the field of cyber security, white hat hackers are hired to play the bad guy. Sometimes called ethical hackers, these professionals hack into secure systems to eliminate vulnerabilities before criminals can find them.
To learn more about technology jobs and fill in any gaps in your skillset, visit a college in your area.
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